Climate Change Curriculum

Grass covered dune in the forefront, Lake Michigan with remnants of melting shelf ice in back.
As the climate shifts, the number of days with shelf ice present on the lake is predicted to drop.

Joseph Gruzalski

Scientists around the world agree on an undisputable truth; humans have and continue to significantly disrupt our planet’s climate. All natural areas, from the most iconic mountains to the stream in your neighborhood will present their inhabitants with an ultimatum: adapt or go extinct. The National Park Service has declared this unprecedented change in climate as the single greatest threat ever made to our parks.

The following curriculum constitutes a two week, comprehensive climate change lesson plan for middle school students. It focuses on regional and localized effects as well as addressing the question:

How does a national park respond to a threat like climate change?
 
Lushly green forested dune of white pines and black oaks along the Grand Calumet River.
Letter to Educators

To get started, check out our welcome letter.

A flooded forest in the Little Calumet River floodplain in early spring.
Lesson Plans

Navigate the lesson plans of the Climate Change Curriculum.

Grass covered dune overlooking a turbulent Lake Michigan with Michigan City's generating tower.
Additional Resources

Useful links to expand climate change understanding.

Last updated: March 26, 2020

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Porter, IN 46304

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219 395-1882
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center phone number.

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